Subsurface multiple zone well production apparatus



May 9, 1961 J. R. BAKER ETAL SUBSURFACE MULTIPLE ZONE WELL PRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed Dec. 25, 1957 5 5 2 a 5% H t KOO N m a m p, w a a 4 m RH M 2 Z NE a Z z M United States Patent Ofice 2,983,318 Patented May 9, 1961 SUBSURFACE MULTIPLE ZONE WELL PRO- DUCTION APPARATUS John R. Baker, Pasadena, and Theodore H. Schorr, Los

Angeles, Calif., assignors to Baker Oil Tools, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California The present invention relates to subsurface multiple zone well production apparatus, and more particularly to the conducting of fluids from the formation zones through separate tubular strings extending to the top of the well bore.

An object of the present invention is to provide improved apparatus for conducting fluids through at least three separate parallel tubular strings between the top of a well bore and longitudinally spaced formation zones in the well bore.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for conducting fluids from different formation zones in a well bore through at least three separate tubular strings to the top of the well bore, each tubular string being in dividually related to a single formation zone, the ap-' paratus being lowered in the well bore on one of the tubular strings, followed by the other tubular strings which coact with individual guides or tracks to assume their proper assembled relation to other apparatus in the well bore.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be madevmore clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This form is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings Figures 1 and to together constitute a longitudinal section through an apparatus disposed in a well casing, parts of the apparatus being disclosed in side elevation, Fig. 1a being a lower continuation of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal section through a portion of the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 33 on Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

In the form of invention disclosed in the drawings, it is desired to conduct fluid from three dilferent and longitudinally spaced producing zones in a wellbore through individual strings of tubing 10, 11, 12 to the top of the hole. A well casing 13 is disposed in the well bore and has longitudinally spaced sets of lower, intermediate and upper perforations 14, 15, 16 opposite the longitudinally spaced formation zones, the fluid being adapted to pass into the casing through the respective sets of perforations. Cementitious material (not shown) is usually deposited around the casing 13 betweenthe lower and intermediate sets of perforations 14, 15, and also between the intermediate and upper sets of perforations 15, 16, so as to prevent migration of fluids from one formation zone to another formation zone along the exterior of the casing.

As disclosed, a lower packer 17 is anchored in packedofl condition within the well casing between the lower and intermediate sets of perforations 14, 15, an intermediate packer 18 is anchored in packed-01f condition in the well casing between the intermediate and upper sets of perforations 15, 16, while an upper packer 19 is anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing above the upper set of perforations 16. These packers are shown diagrammatically in the drawings, and may be of the specific type shown inUnited States Patent Nos. 2,189,701 and 2,630,865. The'lower packer 17 has a passage 20 therethrough which is smaller in diameter than the passage 21 through the intermediate packer 18, this lastmentioned passage, in turn, being smaller in diameter than the passage 22 through the upper packer 19.

As disclosed in the drawings, production from the lower zone is to be conducted through an inner tubing string 23 extending through all of the packers, this inner tubing string having side seals24 thereon adapted to seal against the lower'packer 17. The upper end of the inner tubing string 23 is threaded within a companion bore 25 in a fluid conducting head 26, this head having a first passage 27, communicating with the inner tubing string 23, which terminates in an upper threaded box 28 adapted to receive the lower threaded end of the first tubular string 10 ex tending to the top of the well casing 13.

Production from the intermediate zone passes through the intermediate set of perforations 15 into the casing 13, then continuing upwardly through an annular space 29 between the inner tubing string 23 and an intermediate tubing string 30 having suitable seals 31 thereon for sealing engagement against the intermediate packer 18. The upper end of the intermediate string is piloted within a bore 32 in the lower portion of the head 26, leakage of fluid between the exterior of the intermediate string and the head being prevented by a suitable side seal 33, such as-a rubber or rubberlike O-ring, disposed in an internal groove 34 in the head and sealingly engaging the periphery of the intermediate tubing string. This tubing string 30 is supported from the head 26 by the engagement of a plurality of wings 35, secured to the upper portion of the intermediate string 30, with a downwardly tapering shoulder 36 on a depending head extension 37, which is threadedly secured to the main portion of the head 26. The intermediate zone fluid passes through the annular space 29 between the intermediate tubing string and inner tubing string into the bore 32 and then into a third passage 38 in the head 26 having a counterbore 39 opening through the upper end of the head and adapted to receive the lower portion of the third tubular string 12 extending to the top of the well bore. This third tubular string may have suitable seals or packing 40 thereon adapted to engage the wall of the counterbore 39.

Fluid from the upper zone will pass through the upper set of perforations 16 into the well casing 13 and then upwardly through the annulus 41 between the intermediate tubing string 30 and the well packer 19, this annulus also being defined between an upper tubing string 42 encompassing but spaced laterally from the intermediate tubing string 30. This upper tubing string 42 is threadedly secured to the head extension 37, the fluidflowing upwardly from the annulus 41 into the head extension 37 and then continuing on upwardly through a second passage 43 in the head 26 terminating in an upper counterbore 44 adapted to receive the lower portion of a second tubular string 11 extending to the top of the well casing 13. This second tubular string is also provided with a suitable seal 45 on its lower portion adapted to sealingly engage the wall of the second passage counterbore 44.

Leakage of fluid between the upper packer 19 and the upper tubing string 42 is prevented by a suitable side seal 46 on the upper string engaging the upper packer 19. The lower end 47 of the upper string 42 is adapted to engage a shoulder 48 on the upper packer, to properly locate all of the tubing strings 23, 30, 42 with respect to the several packers,17, 18, 19 in the well bore. Thus, when the upper tubing string 42 engages the packer shoulder 48, its seal device 46 is in sealing engagement against the upper packer .At this time, the seals 31 -on the intermediate fibing string 30 are in sealing engagement with the intermediate packer 18, while the seals 24 of the inner tubing string 23 are in sealing engagement with the lower packer 17.

In the use of the apparatus illustrated in the drawlngs, the lower, intermediate and upper packers 17, -18, 19 are first anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing at the respective regions between the lower, intermediate and upper sets of easing perforations l4, 15, 16 The inner tubing string 23, intermediate tubing string 30, and upper tubing string 42 are then connected to the flow directing head 26, and the first tubular string threadedly secured to the upper portion of the head. The apparatus is then lowered in the well casing by means of the first tubular string. At this time, the second and third tubular strings ll, 12 have not been disposed in the well casing. Accordingly, the apparatus is lowered in the well casing on the first tubular string 10 until the upper tubing string 42 enters the upper packer 19 and engages the shoulder 48 therein. The several tubing strings 23, 30, 42 and the sealing members 24, 31, 46 mounted thereon are so related to one another that the engagement of the upper tubing string 42 with the upper packer shoulder 48 will locate the seals 31 on the intermediate string 30 in sealing engagement with the intermediate packer 18, and the seals 24 of the inner tubing string 23 in sealing engagement with the lower packer 17.

After the parts have been so related in the well casing 13, the second tubing string 11 is lowered in the well casing and is properly disposed in the second passage 43, after which the third tubing string 12 is lowered in the well casing 13 and is properly disposed in the third passage 38. Guide means 50 shown in the drawings is availed of to insure the proper assembly of the second tubing string 11 in the second passage 43 and of the third tubing string 12 in the third passage 38.

The guide means 50 consists of an outer track device 51 which will guide the second tubing string 11 into the second passage 43 and an inner track device 52 which will guide the third tubing string 12 into the third passage 38. The outer track 51, of tubular form, is secured, as by welding, to the upper portion of the head 26 and extends therearound adjacent the periphery of the head. The upper portion 53 of the track is inclined from a lower point 54 adjacent the axis of the second passage 43, and on one side of first passage 27, upwardly toward a higher point 55, which may be on the other side of the first passage 27 and tubing string 10. The lower end of the second tubing string 11 is adapted to engage this track 51 and to be guided thereby around the casing 13 until it reaches a point 54 of adjacency to the second passage 43. Since the upper edge 53 of the inclined track is beveled in a downward and inward direction, the second tubing string 11, when engaged with the inclined outer track 51, will tend to be shifted inwardly off this track. However, the distance R between the first tubing string 10 and the inner wall 56 of the track is less than the diameter of the second tubing string 11, or of a collar that may be mounted on the second tubing string. As a result, the second tubing string 11 cannot move inwardly off the outer track 51 until it reaches the region of the lowest point 54 on the track adjacent to the second passage 43, where the distance S between the first tubular string 10 and the inner surface of the outer track is greater than the diameter of the second string 11, the second string then dropping off the track 51 and into the second passage counterbore 44.

. 4" An inner track device 57, 57a is provided .within the 'outer track device 51, the lower portion of the inner track device being suitably secured, as by welding, to the upper portion of the flow directing head 26. As illustrated, the inner track 57, 57a consists of two arcuate sections extending from a region adjacent to the second passage 43 to a region adjacent to the third passage 38. The upper ends 58 of each track section are inclined from a high point 59 adjacent the second passage 43, to a low point 60 adjacent the third passage 38, and these inclined upper ends 58 of the track section are also beveled in an inward direction, so as to tend to feed the third tubing string 12 inwardly against the first tubular string 10. i

In view of the fact that the second tubing string 11 has a greater diameter than the distance R between the first tubing string 10 and the inner wall 56 of the outer track, except at a region adjacent the second passage 43, the second tubing string 11 cannot move inwardly between the first tubing string and the inner wall of the outer track, so as to engage the inner track 57, 57a, nor can the second tubing string 11 move inwardly off the outer track 51 in the region of the third passage 38, so as to possibly and inadvertently drop into such third passage. The upper inclined end 53 of the outer track is disposed at a substantially higher elevation than the inner track section 57, 57a, so that the inner track will not interfere with the sliding or guiding of the second tubular string 11 around the outer track 51 to its position of adjacency to the second passage 43, where the second tubing string will drop of! the beveled end of the outer track 51 and into the second passage.

After the second tubing string 11 has been disposed in the second passage counterbore 44, with its sealing device 45 in engagement with the wall of the counterbore, the third tubing string 12 is lowered in the well casing 13. This third tubing string has a diameter which is less than the distance R between the first tubing string 10 and the inner wall 56 of the outer track 51. Accordingly. such tubing string may engage the beveled portion 53 of the outer track, which will direct it inwardly of the outer track for downward movement between the first tubular string 10 and the outer track 51 and into engagement with one of the inner track sections 57 or 570. Since the upper end 58 of each section is inclined downwardly in a direction toward the third passage 38. the third tubular string will be guided arcuately around the inner track 57 or 57a and will drop into the third passage 38, with its seal 40 making appropriate sealing engagement with the wall of the third passage counterborc 40.

All of the tubing strings 10, 11, 12 have now been appropriately related to the fiowdirecting head 26, occupying the positions disclosed in the drawings. The fluid from the lower zone will pass through the lower perforations 14 into the casing 13, then proceeding upwardly through the inner tubing string 23 into the first head passage 27, from where it will continue to flow upwardly through the first tubular string 10 to the top of the well bore. Fluid from the upper zone will pass through the upper perforations 16 into the casing 13. then upwardly through the annulus 41 between the intermediate tubing string 30, on the one hand, and the upper packer 19 and upper tubing string 42, on the other hand, flowing upwardly into the head 26 and then through the second passage 43 in the head, which is in communication with the second tubular string 11 disposed in the counterbore 44 and extending to the top of the well bore. The well production from the intermediate zone will pass through the intermediate set of perforations 15 into the casing 13, and then upwardly through the annulus 29 between the inner and intermediate tubing strings 23, 30, discharging into the head 26 and flowing through the third head passage 38 and upwardly through the third tubular string 12 to the top of thewell bore, this latter tubular string being appropriately located in the counterbore 39.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the second and third tubular strings 11, 23 are properly and positively guided into their resgectivesecond and third passages 43, 38 in the flow control head 26. The second tubular string 11 cannot inadvertently move into the third passage 38, whereas the third tubing string 12 will engage the inner track 57, 57a and be guided by either section positively toward and into the third passage 38.

The inventors claim:

1. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed in the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having means in said first passage for receiving the first tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; first guide means on said head adapted to be engaged by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said second passage; and second guide means on said head separate from said first guide means and extending from said third passage to a position closely adjacent to one of said other passages, said second guide means being adapted to be engaged by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to directthe third tubular string from the position closely adjacent to said one of said other passages into said third passage.

2. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed in the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having means in said first passage for receiving the first tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; a first track on said head curved arcuately about the axis of said he a d and inclined from a high point remote from said swond passage to a low point adjacent said second passage, said first track being engageable by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said second passage; and a second track on said head inwardly of said first track and curved arcuately about the axis of said head, said second track having an upper surface inclined from a high point remote from said third passage to a low point adjacent said third passage, said second track being engageable by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage, the upper surface of said second track extending upwardly to a lesser height than the upper surface of said first track in any radial direction intersecting said second track, the radial distance between the first tubular string and the inner wall of said first track being greater than the diameter of the third tubular string to enable the third tubular string to be lowered between the first tubular string and first track into engagement with the second track, such radial distance being less than the effective diameter of the second tubular string, except in the region of said second passage, to prevent the second tubular string from lowering between the first tubular string and first track except at the region of said second passage.

3. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed in the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having means in said first passage for receiving the first tubing string which extends to the top of the well bore; first guide means on said head adapted to be engaged by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said second passage; and second guide means on said head separate from said first guide means and adapted to be engaged by the third fubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage; wherein said first guide means comprises a first track on said head inclined downwardly toward said second passage and engageable by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore 'to direct thesecond tubular string into said second passage; and said second guide means comprises a second track on said head separate from said first track and inclined downwardly from said second passage toward said third passage and engageable at a location of close adjacency to said second passage, by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage.

4. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted I for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a 'well bore: a head adapted to be disposed in the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having means in said first passage for receiving the first tubing string which extends to the top of the well bore; first guide means on said head adapted to be engaged by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said second passage; and second guide means on said head separate from said first guide means and adapted to be engaged by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage; wherein said first guide means comprises a first track on said head curved arcuately about the axis of said head and inclined downwardly from a point remote from said second passage to a low point adjacent said second passage, said first track being engageable by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said second passage, and said second guide means comprises a second track on said head curved arcuately about the axis of said head and inclined downwardly from a high point remote from said third passage to a low point adjacent said third passage, said second track being engageable by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage. v

S. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed in the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having means in said first passage for receiving the first tubing string which extends to the top of the well bore; first guide means on said head adapted to be engaged by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said'second passage; and second guide means on said head separate from said first guide means and adapted to be engaged by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage; wherein said first guide means comprises a first track on said head curved arcuately about the axis of said head and inclined downwardly from a high point to a low point adjacent said second passage, said first track being engageable by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said second passage, and said second guide means comprises a second track on said head curved arcuately about the axis of said head and inclined downwardly from a high point to a low point adjacent said third passage, said second track being engageable by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage.

6. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed in the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having means in said first passage for receiving the first tubing string which extends to the top of the well bore; first guide means on said head adapted to be engaged by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said second passage; and second guide means on said head separate from said first guide means and adapted to be engaged by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage; wherein said first guide means comprises a first track-on said head curved arcuately about the axis of said head and inclined downwardly from a high point remote from said second passage to a low point adjacent said second passage, said first track being engageable by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said second passage, and said second guide means comprises a second track on said head curved arcuately about the axis of said head and inclined downwardly from a high point adjacent said second passage to a low point adjacent said third passage, said second track being engageable by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage.

7. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed in the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having means in said first passage for receiving the first tubing string which extends to the top of the well bore; first guide means on said head adapted to be engaged by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said second pas sage; and second guide means on said head separate from said first guide means and adapted to be engaged by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage; wherein said first guide means comprises a first track on said head curved arcuately about the axis of said head and inclined downwardly from a high point remote from said second passage to a low point adjacent said second passage, said first track being engageable by the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the second tubular string into said second passage, and said second guide means comprises a second track on said head including a pair of sections curved arcuately in opposite directions about the axis of said head, each section being inclined downwardly from a high point adjacent said second passage to a low point adjacent said third passage, said second track being engageable by the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore to direct the third tubular string into said third passage.

8. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed in the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having means in said first passage for receiving the first tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; and guide means on said head adapted to be engaged by the second and third tubular strings to direct the second and third tubular strings into said second and third passages, respectively, said guide means including a surface tapering downwardly from a position closely adjacent to said third passage to said second passage to direct the second tubular string from a position closely adjacent to said third passage to said second passage and another surface offset from and tapering downwardly from a position closely adjacent to said second passage to said third passage to direct the third tubular string from a position 8 r closely adjacent to-said second passage to said third passage.

9. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed within the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having first means in said first passage for receiving the first tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; said head having second means in said second passage for receiving the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; said head having third means in said third passage for receiving the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; and a track curved arcuately with respect to the axis of the head and secured to and extending upwardly from said head, said track having an upper end inclined in a downward direction toward said third passage and adapted to be engaged by the third string to conduct the third string into said third means.

10. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed within the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having first means in said first passage for receiving the first tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; said head having second means in said second passage for receiving the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; said head having third means in said third passage for receiving the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; and a track curved arcuately with respect to the axis of the head and secured to said head and extending arcuately from said second passage to said third passage, said track having an upper end inclined in a downward direction from a location adjacent said second passage to a location adjacent said third passage and adapted to be engaged by said third string to direct the third string into said third means.

11. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed in the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having first means in said first passage for receiving the first tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; said head having second means in said second passage for receiving the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; said head having third means in said third passage for receiving the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; and a track curved arcuately with respect to the axis of the head and secured to said head and extending arcuately from said second passage, past said first passage to said third passage, said track having an upper end inclined in a downward direction from a location adjacent said second passage to a location adjacent said third passage and adapted to be engaged by the third string to direct the third string into said third means.

12. In subsurface well production apparatus adapted for use with first, second and third tubular strings extending to the top of a well bore: a head adapted to be disposed in the well bore and having first, second and third passages therein; said head having first means in said first passage for receiving the first tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; said head having second means in said second passage for receiving the second tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; said head having third means in said third passage for receiving the third tubular string which extends to the top of the well bore; a first track section curved arcuately with respect to the axis of the head and secured to said head and extending arcuately in one direction from'said second passage, past said first passage to said third passage, said first track section having an upper end inclined ina downward direction fromda' References Cited in the tile of this patent location adjacent said second'passage to a location a UNITED TENTS iacent said third passage; a second track section curved STATES PA arcuately with respect to the axis of the head and se- 1,014,272 waltz 1912 cured to said head and extending arcuateiy in the oppo- 5 1,050,689 Pierce 1913 site direction from said second passage to said third pas- 1,431,779 10, 1922 sage, said second track section having an upper end Allen June 1957 inclined in a downward direction from a location ad- 2,902,093 Brown SePt- 1959 jacent said second passage to a location adjacent said FOREIGN A NT third passage, said upper ends of said track sections being 10 1 011 346 F rance Apr. 2, 1952 adapted to engaged y the third stung to direct the 1 0 5 30 F Jan. 6 1954 third string into said third means.

Diselaimer Q,983,318.John R. Baker, Pasadena, and Theodore H. Sohorr, Los Angeles, Calif. SUBSURFAOE MULTIPLE ZONE WELL PRODUCTION APPARATUS. Patent dated May 9, 1961. Disclaimer filed Jan. 29, 1964, by the assignee, Baker Oil Tools, Inc. Hereby enters this disclaimer to claims 1 and 8 of said patent.

[Oyfioz'al Gazette April 21, 1.964.] 

